Community members, specially the people at higher risk must get vaccinated, urged the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) in the seasonal Influenza vaccination campaign that was launched on Wednesday. The campaign aims to spread awareness among people of the Emirate regarding importance of vaccination, especially during Covid-19 pandemic crisis.

Dr Hend Al Awadhi, Head of the Health Promotion and Education Section at the DHA’s Public Health Protection Department has stressed on the importance of vaccination and has called it the most effective way of preventing influenza and its complications. She said that vaccinations are especially important for people in higher risk groups - elders above 65 years of age, children below 5 years, pregnant women and people of determination.

To encourage and ensure that these high risk Dubai residents get vaccinated, the DHA is offering free vaccination for all elders aged 65 and above, children below 5 years of age, pregnant women and people of determination. The vaccinations would be offered across all primary health care centres and medical fitness centres. Emiratis can also get vaccinated for free. The vaccination charge for all other non-risk Dubai residents is AED 50.

“Seasonal influenza, which is commonly known as the flu, is an acute viral infection that spreads easily from person to person. Therefore, in addition to getting vaccinated, the best way to prevent it is to avoid close contact with sick people, cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your eyes or mouth,” Dr Al Awadhi said. 

Al Awadhi noted that the seasonal influenza vaccine (flu shot) is safe and beneficial for pregnant women as it can prevent influenza and pregnancy complications, decrease pregnant woman's risk of hospitalization by an average of 40% and also prevent potential problems which can affect fetus health.

Location and time schedule for Seasonal Influenza Vaccination

Medical Fitness Centres:

DHA is offering walk-in vaccinations in three DHA Medical Fitness Centres in Jumeirah Lake Towers, Uptown Mirdif and City Walk (Smart Salem Centre) from Sunday to Thursday from 7:00am to 7:30pm.

Primary Health Care Centres:

Residents can also call 800DHA (800342) to book a vaccination appointment across a number of DHA Primary Healthcare Centres that include:

Al Badaa, Al Lusaily, Al Mankhool, Al Safa, Nad Al Sheba, Zabeel, Mizhar and Twar primary health care centres are open Sunday to Thursday from 7:30am to 9:30pm.

Al Mamzar Health Centre, which is for women and pregnant women only is also open from 7:30am to 9:30pm. Al Barsha and Nad Al Hamr 24/7 centres will only offer vaccination services between 7:30am to 9:30pm.

People can contact 800DHA (800342) for further information on the locations and timings of DHA’s vaccination services.